LAN port on AirPort Extreme not working in bridge mode

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LAN port on AirPort Extreme not working in bridge mode

Here's the setup I have: Motorola cable modem going to a TrendNet wired router, one out to an AirPort Express (2012 model) and one going to an AirPort Extreme (2009 model). Both AirPorts are set to create a wireless network, using the same network name and password, and that part of it works fine (devices will switch to each AirPort based on proximity/signal strength). However, I'm trying to access a SlingBox connected to the LAN port of the AirPort Extreme and no matter what I try, I can't access it. The cable from the TrendNet router is plugged into the WAN port on the AirPort Extreme. I've tried unplugging, restarting the SlingBox, and still no connection. Is there a setting on the AirPort Extreme I'm missing? Are the LAN ports disabled in bridge mode? Thanks for any help.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Aug 29, 2013 6:15 AM

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Answer 1

Tesserax

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Aug 29, 2013 11:40 AM in response to heisman6183

Are the LAN ports disabled in bridge mode?

I think you already answered the question I am about to ask, so please forgive me. Are both the Express and the Extreme reconfigured as bridges?

If so, then all of their respective Ethernet ports are just that, Ethernet ports. Bridge mode disables the routing function and both base stations perform as combination Wireless Access Points and Ethernet switches.

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Answer 2

heisman6183 Author

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Aug 29, 2013 11:43 AM in response to Tesserax

They are both configured as bridges (each one creating the same wireless network). The LAN port on the Express seems to be working. I'm thinking I might need to do some port forwarding to get the SlingBox up and running.

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Answer 3

Tesserax

Level 10

158,490 points

Aug 29, 2013 11:47 AM in response to heisman6183

Ok, thanks for clarifying that for me. Sounds like you have the basics for a "roaming" network. The Ethernet ports on both base stations should be enabled.

Any port forwarding would have to be done on the TrendNet router as both AirPorts would have NAT disabled and all of their respectve ports opened already. Of course, this would only be necessary if you are trying to access the Slingbox from the Internet.

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Answer 4

Aug 29, 2013 3:20 PM in response to heisman6183

Are you sure the ethernet cable is good.. TrendNet to the Extreme?

Strange things can happen as devices get older.. a good test is a cheap switch.. just plug that in place of the Extreme.. does the connection work ok now??

If so plug the Extreme into the switch and see if it suddenly also appears??

Switches can often get older stuff running as they get the timings right.. which the declining quality of the internal components on the extreme has finally tipped over the cliff and will not connect. It might not be out by much.. but there is no way in the extreme to set it correctly.. in other routers we can force 100mbps half duplex which often fixes the problem.. even 10mbps.. will work on rubbish ethernet with timing way out. But when you plug gigabit to 10/100.. things can go awry.. !!

Another test btw is to turn off the extreme and let it cool right down overnight.. you need to wait several hours.. high summer btw is not a good time for electronics.. test early in the morning.. power up the AE and quickly test as soon as it comes online.. I have seen them work fine for 10min up to an hour and then slowly fade as the heat caused component value shifts and timings went too far out.

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